Denny Hamlin claims NASCAR and SMI of re-configured Roval “to create more chaos”

Drivers have not seemed excited with Charlotte Roval's new track configuration.

Denny Hamlin claims NASCAR and SMI of re-configured Roval “to create more chaos”

Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

Multiple playoff giants were dealt with a huge blow due to a massive wreck in the final stage at Talladega. This made the next race at Charlotte Roval even more crucial for these drivers as a R-8 promotion is on the line. However, NASCAR had one trick up its sleeves and unveiled the new track layout for the race at Roval, which infuriated Denny Hamlin, who accused the series of making changes at the track to create more chaos for drivers.

Over the past few months, SMI took the challenge of repaving certain sections around the Roval and made several changes around turn 6-7. Furthermore, they made a stark change to the last few corners where drivers would have to battle through a corkscrew of chicanes. This has seemingly made the track easier to lunge people in the braking zones, which could possibly end someone’s race owing to the do-or-die situation that multiple drivers would be facing.

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These changes did not go down well with JGR’s Denny Hamlin who was quite unhappy with them. His accusations against NASCAR continued and asserted that the series wanted more chaos, as in recent times entertainment among fans has been linked to more chaos and crashes in the race.

The reconfigure was designed to create more chaos. You’re going to have to convince me otherwise of that. They make corners sharper and tighter. It was tighter in Turn 7 anyway, but now they made it to a point. So instead of you driving the normal optimum line to make this corner that is really really tight, tighter than the (LA) Coliseum

Denny Hamlin said on the Actions Detrimental podcast.

Despite his concerns, the 43-year-old has a massive 30-point cushion which could easily see him out the weekend at Roval without any major troubles. Therefore, making the risk of his championship charge ending soon minimal.

Chase Elliott shared his take on the changes at Charlotte Roval

Unlike Hamlin, Chase Elliott does not have a massive points delta in his favor. Moreover, he currently stands on the fringes of elimination and would like to have a better race this weekend than his previous one at Talladega.

Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott (Via IMAGO)

The HM driver then gave his verdict on the changes and remained realistic as he emphasized the role of learning the track and its intricacies. Also, he was content with the extra practice session provided as it would aid the drivers but whether the extra practice session would mean a substantial difference in race pace remains a highly contended issue owing to the change of track layout at an elimination round.

To me, I kind of look at it like it’s a new race track, truthfully. That section of the track is going to change the entire flow of the lap there, so I’ve been kind of approaching it as a new track with my preparation. I’ve spent some time in the simulator, just trying to really memorize the track and where the little bumps are… Obviously, we have extra practice next week, so hopefully that’s enough to find a good rhythm and get a good flow for qualifying and then obviously for the race.

Chase Elliott said in an interview with NASCAR.

Thus, a chaotic race might indeed happen at the Roval. This could be essential in making the 109-lap race a favorite among the fans who would be seeking entertainment as the final few rounds of the championship near in.